Bonnie L. Headley

Bonnie Lorene Headley, age 71 of Galva, passed away peacefully in her home on December 11, 2025 following a brave 2-year battle with ALS. 

She was born on February 20, 1954, in Chicago to the late Joseph and Alice Brantl. She attended her early school years in Chicago, before moving to Union Pier, Michigan to attend middle and high school, graduating as a New Buffalo Bison. 

Following high school, Bonnie met her husband of 51 years, Jim, at a Michigan truckstop where she was working. They quickly knew that they were meant to be and married on May 24, 1974, and began life together in Galva. Michigan has held a special place in Bonnie’s heart throughout her life, and she made sure to visit yearly, if not more. 

In addition to her husband, Jim, she will be missed by her children, Jill Smith (Ryan) of Plainfield, IL, Andrew Headley (Sara), of Fort Mill, SC. Bonnie is also survived by her five grandsons, Cameron and Cooper Smith, and Jackson, Lucas and Nathan Headley. 

Bonnie had a full and active life. She enjoyed working at Hathaway’s in Galva when her kids were young, before moving on to a long and fulfilling job at Breedlove’s in Kewanee until the time of her diagnosis of ALS. She enjoyed traveling with her husband, Jim, and they visited many places throughout the east coast and Midwest over the years, with frequent visits to Mackinac Island, which was her favorite. 

Bonnie was a devoted mom and grandma and took great pride in her family. She sat through countless athletic events, cheerleading competitions and choir concerts when her kids were young.  She enjoyed many soccer games and band concerts for her grandsons in Illinois and loved visiting her grandsons in South Carolina several times a year. Her warm and caring spirit will be greatly missed. 

Bonnie was a sports fan throughout her life, enjoying the NFL - Go Bears, PGA golf, and the Olympics. She was an avid reader, loved gardening, and enjoyed doing jigsaw puzzles. She looked forward to lunches and dinners out with friends, seeing shows in Chicago, and spending time with her dog, Kinsie. 

Bonnie’s family would like to extend a huge thank you to her caregiver, Dorothy Schaefer, who was with her for the last 8 months.

A memorial service be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, December 16 at Rux Funeral Home in Galva. Rev. Dan Wright will officiate. A visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the services at the funeral home. Inurnment at Galva Cemetery and a Celebration of Life for Bonnie will be held in the Spring. Memorials may be directed to Rebuilding Together Henry County.

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